Jan 22, 2026 · As more than half of the United States braces for a powerful winter storm, some meteorologists are warning on social media that “exploding trees” are possible.

Jan 27, 2026 · While it might look like trees are suddenly "exploding," that's not necessarily what's happening. Frost cracks are actually occasionally the real reason behind trees breaking.

Steam pressure build up in tree trunks is theoretically unlikely to lead to an explosion in a rapidly moving fire front, although trees exploding after the initial front has passed or exploding through other …

Much online discussion has been hovering around the subject of frozen exploding trees this winter, following multiple videos and reports.

Jan 26, 2026 · The short answer: No, trees are not exploding. What people are hearing is a natural process known as frost cracking.

Jan 23, 2026 · Videos circulate of loud, gunshot-like bangs ringing out in the forest, accompanied by captions warning that trees explode or blow off tree limbs.

Jan 22, 2026 · What causes trees to 'explode' in the cold? This relatively rare phenomenon can occur when it cools down enough for the sap inside a tree to freeze, which then expands due to its high …

Jan 20, 2026 · Social media posts warning of "exploding trees" in subzero temperatures are mischaracterizing a phenomenon known as frost cracks. Frost cracks form when water inside trees …

Jan 25, 2026 · “While extreme cold can cause visible damage to trees, there is no true explosive event occurring,” says Ryan Torcicollo, an arborist and a brand ambassador for Husqvarna’s H team. “The …

Jan 30, 2026 · One thing that needs to be made clear though, is that these trees aren't actually "exploding." What's really happening is a phenomenon called frost cracking. Trees aren't just a …